Load securing device and method for using the same

Abstract

A load securing device ( 310 ) is provided with which a flexible tie down ( 320 ) is engaged to secure a load ( 100 ) to an object ( 210 ). The load securing device ( 310 ) includes: a first mandrel ( 312 ) that is substantially rigid; a second mandrel ( 312 ) that is substantially rigid; and, a linkage ( 318 ) joining the the first and second mandels ( 312 ) to one another.

1. A load securing device with which a flexible tie down is engaged to secure a load to an object, said load securing device comprising:
 a first mandrel that is substantially rigid and has opposing first and second ends through which an axis passes, said first mandel being able to rotate about the axis 
 ratcheting means that selectively limit a direction in which the first mandrel can be rotated about the axis; 
 a second mandrel that is substantially rigid; and, 
 a linkage joining the first and second mandrels to one another. 
 
   
   
     2. The load securing device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first mandrel is arranged to engage with the tie down at a first position on the tie down such that the tie down wraps at least partially around the first mandrel; and, 
 the second mandrel is arranged to engage with the tie down at a second position on the tie down such that the tie down wraps at least partially around the second mandrel. 
 
   
   
     3. The load securing device of  claim 1 , wherein the linkage includes a movable joint arranged between the first and second mandrels. 
   
   
     4. A load securing device with which a flexible tie down is engaged to secure a load to an object, said load securing device comprising:
 a first mandrel that is substantially rigid and includes an outer surface arranged to engage with the tie down such that the tie down wraps at least partially around the surface, wherein said outer surface has a trough formed therein; 
 a second mandrel that is substantially rigid; and, 
 a linkage joining the first and second mandrels to one another, wherein the linkage includes a movable joint arranged between the first and second mandrels. 
 
   
   
     5. The load securing device of  claim 4 , wherein a width of the trough varies along its length. 
   
   
     6. The load securing device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the first mandrel comprises a first cylindrical member having opposing first and second ends; and, 
 the second mandrel comprises a second cylindrical member having opposing first and second ends. 
 
   
   
     7. The load securing device of  claim 4 , wherein the first mandrel has opposing first and second ends that are engaged by the linkage such that the first mandrel can be rotated about an axis passing through the first and second ends of the first mandrel. 
   
   
     8. The load securing device of  claim 1 , wherein said linkage engages with the first and second mandrels so as to define first and second apertures, respectively, through which the tie down passes when the tie down is engaged with the first and second mandrels. 
   
   
     9. The load securing device of  claim 4 , wherein said linkage engages with the first and second mandrels so as to define first and second apertures, respectively, through which the tie down passes when the tie down is engaged with the first and second mandrels.